Screening Sesbania for response to N and P combinations and adaptability in a medium-altitude environment in Malawi

• Main Authors: Kanyama-Phiri, G.Y. (Bunda College of Agriculture, Lilongwe (Malawi)), Dzowela, B.H. (ICRAF, Harare (Zimbabwe)), Kategile, J.A. (ILCA, Harare (Zimbabwe))
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) ILCA 01.02.1993
• Subjects: ABONOS; ADAPTACION; ADAPTATION; AZOTE; CRECIMIENTO; CROISSANCE; ENGRAIS; EVALUACION; EVALUATION; FOSFORO; MALAWI; NITROGENO; PHOSPHORE; REPONSE DE LA PLANTE; RESPUESTA DE LA PLANTA; SELECCION; SELECTION; SESBANIA
• ISBN: 9290532661; 9789290532668

Growth parameters and dry-matter yield of Sesbania sesban and S. goetzei accessions were evaluated for adaptability and response to various nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) combinations. N and P fertilisation significantly increased canopy height, growth rate, number of primary branches per plant, stem diameter, leaf and fuelwood dry-matter yield. This suggests that conservative starter doses of these macro-elements are essential for successful establishment, early growth and subsequent yield of Sesbania. Growth rate declined with advancing season and the onset of drought. A rate of 40 kg N/ha either singly or in combination with 50 kg P/ha resulted in a heavier loss of leaves as compared with either a rate of 50 kg P/ha or no fertiliser at all. Nitrogen seemed to increase leaf surface area which placed the plant at a disadvantage when moisture became limiting. These results provide a basis for more elaborate investigation involving more levels of combined N and P, with and without inoculation. The role of moisture stress on the growth behaviour and yield of the two Sesbania species studied warrants further investigation.